About Otaku Coin Association

Planning Partners

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

Anime!Anime!

A news website launched in 2005 specializing in anime information. Constructed with the concept of “being the cheerleaders for anime and the anime industry,” it offers information regarding not just the latest anime series but also all kinds of anime-related information, such as series aimed towards kids and families, famous series from yesteryear, the anime business, as well as news about anime overseas. It also features unique stories, such as interviews with voice actors and creators, as well as pieces on the new charms displayed by different works or voice actors. It also has exciting content that everyone can enjoy, such as a page featuring the latest anime with consent from the rights holders, as well as articles in collaboration with anime characters written under the supervision of the anime’s staff. The website also manages Anime!Anime! Biz, a sister website specializing in information about the anime business and other industry information.

Advisor / Partner

AnyPay Inc.

AnyPay Inc. was established in June 2016 by Shinji Kimura, the company representative and the serial entrepreneur who led Atlantis and Gunosy to their success. Its mission is to “realize a society enveloped by technology.” AnyPay Inc. has released the bill-splitting app “paymo” and the payment service “paymo biz.” With its business developments in FinTech and Kimura’s cryptocurrency investment expertise, AnyPay Inc. launched its ICO consulting service in September 2017, which has helped companies around the world such as Bread and Drivezy.

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

asura film co., ltd.

Our company is a production studio that delivers consistently high quality service, producing, composite and effect VFX by ourselves. We always try to unite a best team, directors and operators, for requirement of any client’s orders. Production works can have not only Japanese animation and cartoons, but also short-films like promotion movie (PV), music movie (MV), and some animation using digital motion tools, puppet tools. Next step, we will start up some 3DCG projects in near future. Award History: ADFEST2017, FILM CRAFT LOTUS, ANIMATION, SILVER, [SAMURAI NOODLES "THE ORIGINATOR] / Tokyo Anime Pitch Grand Prix 2018 [Krocchi the Streetcat]

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

whomor Inc.

whomor Inc. (head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) is an IT startup handling entertainment content that was founded six years ago by a manga artist. With the vision of “bringing excitement to the world through creativity,” whomor engages in creating new initiatives and content not limited to existing methods. In partnership with 6,000 creators, whomor creates character illustrations for video games, promotions using manga that precisely describe problems in the businesses, and original manga works.

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

Tokyo Otaku Mode

Through its Facebook page with over 20 million likes and its e-commerce site, the Tokyo Otaku Mode Shop, Tokyo Otaku Mode (TOM) delivers the latest news and products from Japanese anime, manga, games, music, and fashion to fans around the world.

Also, through the TOM Shop, TOM receives goods related to anime and manga directly from official makers and sells them overseas. TOM also designs and distributes original merchandise with creators worldwide to customers in over 130 countries. Using the know-how it has developed in international business, TOM offers services to support overseas business expansions and inbound businesses.

With a mission of “Making the world happy through otaku culture,” TOM provides a new value to the world’s entertainment market in the hopes of improving the lifestyles of Japanese subculture fans around the world.

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

Toyo Institute of Art and Design

The Toyo Institute of Art and Design is an art and design vocational school that offers courses in subjects such as illustration, design, 3DCG, and manga, as well as topics ranging from traditional painting techniques to the latest technological advancements in art preservation and repair. We strive to develop creators with the mottos of “to train people aiming for creative jobs” as well as “to train professionals who can flourish in the real world.” We aren’t limited to just teaching students the techniques and knowledge behind art and design, but we connect that knowledge to employment and place great importance on continuous support. The Toyo Institute of Art and Design reached its 70th anniversary in May 2016.

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

Honey's Anime

An anime, manga, and video game news media for overseas readers that began operation in November 2014. It is currently available in English and Spanish. In addition to delivering news directly procured from industry insiders in Japan, the US, and Spanish-speaking countries as quickly as possible to readers, Honey’s Anime has gained popularity with users for its plentiful variety of articles, including those written from the unique perspective of the reporter, reports from events all over the worlds, and interviews with those in the industry. Since its launch three years ago, it has grown to become one of the world’s leading sites in the genres of anime, manga, and video games, and its number of readers continues to increase.

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

Honeyfeed

Honeyfeed is an English CGM-type light novel site that began operation in January 2017. The social light novel platform is a place where English-speaking users who have become unsatisfied by simply viewing and subscribing to anime and manga themselves can express their surging creative urges. The service sprang forth from Honey’s Anime readers lamenting that there are few places to express their original anime- and manga-like stories. Honeyfeed is an oasis for hardcore otaku with a pleasant atmosphere in which they can elevate their expressive power and potential through users giving mutual feedback and more.

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

Rakuten Collection

Rakuten Collection is an online character lottery service that began operation in May 2016. Under the concept of “Shopping is Entertainment!” the service produces unexpected encounters with characters fans like and aims to offer a new experience through character goods. Products mainly include anime and game character goods, along with idol, artist, and athlete merch, and the service is widely expanding its limited edition products for fans to enjoy, regardless of the genre.

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

bacoor Inc.

Established in February 2017. Has locations in Kobe and Ho Chi Minh City.
Deals mainly in research for Ethereum blockchains and smart contracts, as well as application development that uses those technologies. Has more than 30 engineers working in both Japan and Vietnam.
Its main product is HB Wallet, an Ethereum wallet application that has been downloaded over 200 thousand times around the world. With just one app, users can safely manage not just Ethereum, but over 10,000 different kinds of ERC20 Tokens. Also manages the website REAL BOOST, which uses blockchain and smart contract technologies for crowdfunding. Its beta version is up as of December 2017.

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

double jump.tokyo

A company established on April 3, 2018, specialized in the development of blockchain games. Established by members with know-how in the development and management of numerous games (mobile social games, PC online games, home consoles, etc.) as well as a deep understanding of platforms and finance, including blockchain technology and virtual currency. A subsidiary of DLE Inc.

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

HAKUHODO

Founded in 1895, Hakuhodo continues to innovate everyday life under the unwavering philosophies of "Consumer Conception" and "Partnerism." Professionals with high creativity organize teams to help clients solve problems in all areas, from management to business to social issues, as well as advertising areas.
Hakuhodo anticipates changing the marketing environment and aims to become the world's leading marketing company that improves the business value of clients with integrated marketing management skills.

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

TokyoFigure

Established in June 2016. Manages Tokyo Figure (https://tokyofigure.jp/), a Japanese online shop that designs, manufactures, and sells figures and other anime goods.
Based on the concept of, “Superior beauty and excitement! From Japan to the world, and from the world to Japan!” the company works hard every day to supply great products and emotions to fans around the world by participating in anime, doujinshi, and figure exhibition events.
Tokyo Figure teams up with excellent figure manufacturers, makers, and prototype-creators to design and sell products that are faithful and true to the anime or game’s original illustrations, capturing the very essence of the series.

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

Tudukimi

Tudukimi is an event that began in September 2016 and is held every season to showcase promotional videos of new anime. The event, which is held every three months just before the start of the new broadcast season, is organized based on official footage exhibited by license holders, and countless fans proclaim, “Since attending Tudukimi my anime watch list has increased!” The event is simulcast around the world through Nico Nico Live, Bandai Channel, Facebook Live (in English-speaking countries), Bilibili Douga (in Chinese-speaking countries), and other platforms. With over 150,000 viewers, the event continues to evolve as global content.

Otaku Coin Planning Partner

AKIHABARA AREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION

A joint-venture company that operates tourist sites based on a network of over 400 stores under a joint investment by major companies in Akihabara, the Akihabara Area Tourism Organization plans to develop a base for spreading information from Akihabara to the world through a wide range of areas including campaigns throughout Akihabara, event development, media management including visuals and signage, and managing a tourism center.

Planning Advisors

Advisor / CEO of qdopp Inc.

Leo Akahoshi

Leo Akahoshi studied abroad in New York during middle school and in Syria during university. He engaged in investment banking services for foreign companies prior to working at a domestic securities company. He then shifted to GREE, Inc. in 2012 and oversaw domestic and overseas investments, acquisitions, and new business planning. He founded qdopp Inc. and assumed the position of CEO in 2014, where he manages both Honey’s Anime, an overseas news media for anime, manga, and games, and Honeyfeed, an English novel content submission site. He also engages in overseas advertisements of otaku content and business consulting using his knowledge of the overseas otaku market.

Advisor / CEO of SAKURAS Co., Ltd.

Masayuki Ikegami

Born in Yugoslavia, Masayuki Ikegami became a US resident during middle school, where he won an award for programming. During his days as a student, he was passionate about programming. After graduating from the Department of Science and Technology at Keio University, he entered the foreign business consulting firm A.T. Kearney. After consulting a variety of businesses, he took part in launching the DeNA and NTT Docomo joint venture Everystar Co., Ltd. and was inaugurated as the CEO. There, he created a variety of mega hit works including “Ōsama Game (King's Game)” and “Doreiku,” as well as a smartphone novel boom. He resigned from the position in March 2015 and in April of that year founded SAKURAS Co., Ltd. He currently teaches online business strategies at the Globis University Graduate School of Management in addition to engaging in digital strategy consulting for broadcasters and publishers.

Advisor / Shogakukan Managing Director

Nobuhiro Oga

Born in 1983 in Tokyo, Nobuhiro Oga entered VIZ Media, LLC in the US after graduating from graduate school. Experienced in the business of licensing Japanese content, he is engaged in the development of digital distribution businesses. He was inaugurated as the president of Shogakukan in 2012, his current position as of 2017.

Advisor / Blockchain Accountant, Certified Public Accountant

Hitoshi Kakizawa

Worked in the corporate sales division of Mizuho Bank and learned about many complaints clients had with their banks. After joining Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC, he audited companies preparing to list on the stock market and worked with over 15 IPOs in 3 years. In 2015, he took part in Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support’s FinTech team and worked as a “blockchain accountant.” He has organized seminars about ICOs, supported cryptocurrencies and blockchain ventures, consulted for blockchain verification tests, developed audit procedures and conducted audits for cryptocurrency exchanges, and assisted with the implementation of in-house operation management systems. In October 2017, he joined a blockchain venture as a business developer, the second Japanese person to do so. Provides private consultation for ICO projects and is the adviser for several cryptocurrency/blockchain projects.

Virtual YouTuber / Otaku Coin Ambassador

Kizuna AI

Kizuna AI is a virtual YouTuber who uploads videos from a white space almost daily, and has drawn the attention of fans in both Japan and around the world. Her channel has over one million subscribers and over 55 million views. Her dream is to become the world’s number one YouTuber. Her interests include egosurfing and interacting with human beings. She recently celebrated her first anniversary since she began releasing videos on December 1, 2016. Her direct way of speaking and abundance of emotions conveys a humanity atypical of "AI" personas.

Advisor / Keio Research Institute at SFC, Senior Researcher

Kenji Saito

Received his Master’s degree in Engineering (Computer Science) from Cornell University in 1993 and his PhD in Policy and Media from Keio University for his research on digital currencies in 2006. He was specially appointed a media research instructor at the same university, and became a Senior Researcher at the Shonan Fujisawa Campus in 2014. In 2016, he became the CSO (Chief Science Officer) at BlockchainHub Inc. and the Representative Director at Beyond Blockchain (non-profit) in 2017. He specializes in the Internet and society.

Advisor / Founder & CEO of Consensus Base Inc.

Hiroshi Shimo

CEO of blockchain specialist Consensus Base Inc. Has been involved with blockchains for a long time and has the know-how and experience of performing verification tests for dozens of major firms, such as SoftBank, Daiwa Securities Group, and the Japan Exchange Group. Currently offers ICO consulting, ICO packages, trading cards, and other services through his own company. Co-published books about bitcoins and Ethereum with NEC and authored many books and articles about blockchains. Also serves as a blockchain committee member for the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Continues to stand at the forefront of blockchain technology as an engineer and is actively attempting to spread information about the technology.

Advisor / Journalist

Tadashi Sudo

Sudo was born in Mexico and raised in Yokohama. He is active in covering, reporting, and writing about animation around the world. He also conducts research on the business of animations. After leaving his position in a stock company, he created the information website “Anime!Anime!” in 2004, which became one of the most famous of its kind in Japan. In 2009, he created “Anime!Anime! Biz,” a website with information about the business of animations, and served as the editor. In 2012, Sudo transferred the websites he was managing to IID, Inc. In July 2017, he left “Anime!Anime!” and began to work independently. Some of his most notable works include the animation section of “Digital Content White Paper,” “Anime Industry Report,” which he composed himself, and “Who’s going to create anime from now on? A silent revolution caused by Chinese capital and online distribution” (Seikaisha Shinsho).

Advisor / Sprout Inc. CEO

Seigen Takano

Founded Sprout Inc. by gathering a group of consultants and researchers with extensive knowledge in cybersecurity with a basis of security engineers known as “white hat hackers.” While investigating and researching the hidden weaknesses hiding behind “zero-day attacks,” the latest cyberspace trends, and cyber terror techniques, he uses the knowledge he learned from the company to support other businesses and governmental authorities’ cybersecurity. He also runs BugBounty.jp, a bug bounty program that connects businesses with white hat hackers. Recently he published a book called Dark Web, which is based on the cyber underground market deeply related to cryptocurrencies (Published July 2016 by Bungeishunju).

Advisor / Founder & CEO of Poppin Games Japan Co., Ltd.

Hisashi Tsujimura

Born in Akita Prefecture and graduated from the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies with a degree in French. Hisashi previously worked at Japanese gaming giant DeNA, where he worked for a long time in business planning before becoming the Assistant Director of the international division. In 2010, he moved to Silicon Valley and was appointed as SVP of Marketing at DeNA Global and Director of Internet Marketing at ngmoco. He established Poppin Games Japan in July 2012 and is the current CEO. He has 10+ years of experience in the tech industry including EC, games, advertisement, investment, and blockchains.

Advisor / Oculus Founder

Palmer Luckey

Palmer Luckey founded Oculus VR when he was 19 years old and designed the Oculus Rift, a virtual reality headset, which started a global VR movement. Facebook went on to acquire Oculus VR in 2014. In March 2017, Luckey left Oculus VR and its parent company, Facebook. He is currently active as an entrepreneur with a new startup in technology to be used in the defense industry. Luckey is a fan of Japanese VR, as well as Japanese anime. In 2017, he participated in an anime event titled “Machi Asobi” in Tokushima, Japan cosplaying as a video game character, which was a topic covered on various media.

Advisor / Anime Critic

Ryota Fujitsu

Born in 1968. Ryota Fujitsu has been working as a freelance writer since 2000, after working as a journalist for local newspapers and an editor for weekly magazines. He currently runs serial articles on Anime!Anime! and Nizista. He also writes for magazines, web articles, DVD booklets and more. He also gives “Anime wo Yomu”(“Read” anime) lectures in Asahi Culture Center Shinjuku every third Saturday.

Advisor / CEO of GIFTED AGENT

Jun Kawasaki

After graduating middle school, he worked on developing automatic trading systems for FX and stock, as well as logistics portal sites. When he was 17 he participated in a venture to create a realtime Q&A service before selling his enterprise. Then, he created multiple IT ventures representative of Tokyo Otaku Mode before selling them or passing them off to other executives. Currently, he is the CEO of GIFTED AGENT and works on common OS projects for blockchain use. He has appeared in the media several times, such as on NHK's "Today's Close-Up," and is currently active as one of the top members in the blockchain worldwide community.